The Hanukkah story is the ancient tale of a battle for religious freedom during the time of the Maccabean revolt in the 2nd century BCE. The story, recorded in the books of the Maccabees, describes several miracles that enabled the Maccabees to defeat the powerful armies of King Antiochus IV. The conflict and later events are said to have been the basis for the observance of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
The traditional Hanukkah story as told in the books of Maccabees describes a period of over two hundred years from around the year 167 BCE when the Jewish Maccabees fought against the Greeks under King Antiochus IV for their religious freedom. Antiochus had declared it illegal for Jews to practice Judaism and the Hellenizing of the Jews had begun with Greek worship replacing the Jewish practice and authority being exerted over the Jews. The soldiers’ courage led to a miraculous victory and soon after, the Temple in Jerusalem was liberated. In addition to reclaiming their freedom, the Maccabees also found a single cruse of oil, enough to light a Menorah for one day, and miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days until more oil could be prepared.To commemorate this miraculous victory, the Jewish people instituted the 8-day celebration of Hanukkah. The story of the Maccabees, the battle and the miracle of the one cruse of oil burning for eight days is the basis for modern day observance. Hanukkah, meaning Dedication in Hebrew, is observed every year from the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which usually falls around November or December on the Gregorian calendar.
While the Hanukkah story is over two thousand years old, its legacy is still celebrated in contemporary times. Through the observance of the holiday, the miracles are still remembered and the core principle of religious liberty is celebrated. Lighting the Menorah as the centerpiece, and games such as the dreidel, special foods, and traditional music are part of the Hanukkah tradition in modern times.
Hanukkah is a reminder of a time when a minority group was able to protect their identity in the face of religious oppression, and it serves as an inspiration to fight for what is right. In today’s world, the story of the Maccabees and the victory of the Jewish people is a powerful reminder of the importance of religious freedom.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.